PS Sing'Oei apologises to Burundian community, pledges support for those returning home

Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing'Oei, has apologised to Burundian nationals living in the country over the attacks that followed the government's crackdown on undocumented foreign traders, promising stepped-up security in neighbourhoods with large Burundian populations.

Speaking alongside Burundian Ambassador Evelyne Habonimana, whom he thanked for her cooperation through the crisis, the PS said many Burundians had lived peacefully beside Kenyans for years before the recent tension.

"For many years, many of you have lived in Kenya like other Kenyans. You have lived with your neighbours, your brothers, and you have lived well," he said.

A directive that was misunderstood

Sing'Oei said the government's directive was aimed only at people running small businesses without the licences the law requires, and admitted that poor communication had left some Burundians exposed to attacks by neighbours who misread the order.

"We are saying sorry because those who do small businesses without a licence are not allowed to continue operating. There are many who do not understand you well, and because you are not able to explain yourselves, many of you have been attacked by your neighbours and friends. We are saying sorry for that," he said.

He restated the government's position that all Africans, Burundians included, should live in Kenya as brothers, and urged affected residents to put their paperwork in order — valid documentation, business licences and registration — so they can trade without harassment.

"If you have a business licence, your business will be able to operate well because you have registered well with our government," he said, adding that those holding valid passports and proper registration have nothing to fear.

More security, and a right to report

The PS pledged additional police presence in areas where Burundian nationals are concentrated, and reminded the community that they are free to report any harassment or attack to the authorities.

"The government will provide more security to the areas where you live. You cannot be harassed. You cannot be attacked. You have the right to inform the authorities about what is happening to you, and you also have the right to register properly," he said.

For those who have chosen to return home, the government says it will work with the Burundian embassy to support an orderly departure. Embassies and cyber cafés in Nairobi have reported a surge of nationals seeking travel and identity documents in recent days.

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Reported with details from Citizen Digital.